Homasote

[Anonymous]

I am searching for 440 Homasote to place on my 4 x 8 layout plywood base to deaden sound, noise, etc.. I cannot find anyone in the area carrying this product. Any alternatives, or suggestions? What should I place on top of the plywood before laying track?

[Jim Duda]

Here's just one of several options...I'm sure you will hear of others. I used 3/4 in ply as my base and white glued 3/4 in styrofoam on the top AND bottom...it's cheap, light, and easy to work with, using a hacksaw blade, sharp knife, or hot wire to cut it. With foam roadbed under the track, it is so quiet it's scary! I used NO NAILS or ballast, and my track hasn't shifted at all! I think the ties embed themselves into the roadbed just enough to prevent track shifting. True, the styro won't grip nails or screws as well as Homosote, but just get longer ones to reach the plywood if you have to secure anything.

JD

[ChiefEagles]

Yes, so a little brousing and there are pictures of layouts with foam insulation. They have convinced me to use it. They are even making their mountains out of it.

[Anonymous]

I have used Homasote on my 12 x 20 ft layout with no problems [ yet ]. I have raised
the plywood sub road bed & homosote @ the changes in elevation but I intend to use
foam insulation for hills etc. Some of my friends have been using foam for this & it seems to work better than some of the other older methods such as rolled up newspapers. Keep looking for Homosote . Good luck

[brianel027]

Hey Chief, I'd recommend using the pink syrofoam insulation for making mountains. It's a higher density than the blue board. The white pebble board is good for making retaining walls, etc.

The most time consuming part of making the mountains is waiting for the glue to dry as you build up the layers. Using the Liquid Nails brand adhesive (made for insultation board) will speed the process along. The stuff cuts nicely with a retractable razor. You can even use a screw driver to dig out ravines and create rock formations. Use latex house paint to paint the styrofoam. Oil based paints will eat through the foam board.

[Anonymous]

red60wing
Homasote can be found but in my case when I was looking
I had to go through a small lumber company in my area. The
bigger company's like Home Depot, Lowes did not have a clue
what I was talking about. Hope this help's.
Keith

[eZAK]

If I did mine over again. I would use 5/8" plywood topped with 1" pink foam covered by 1/8" or 1/4" paneling, plywood, or osb. I would also recomend 'Vinyl-Bed' for road bed.

I've seen this done with Gargraves track. It makes for a very quite railroad.

Right now I'm using 'Vinyl-Bed' on 5/8" plywood. It works good but not like above.

I never did like Homasote. I think it is over priced for the benefit you get.
There are better products out there that cost less.

[eZAK]

Keithrd,

A little add-libing from the Doors? [;)]

[butleryard]

I have found HOMASOTE board at Home Depot and thats what they have it posted as. It is near the sheets of drywall.

[waltrapp]

Homasote's website has a 'locator' tool. I used it and found some places near me, one of which used to NOT carry it but now does.

[superwarp1]

I'm surprised this topic comes up so often. You don't need it and don't use it. Instead use Woodland Scenics foam roadbed under the track or the vinyle track bed that's out there. Homasote is way over priced and there's really no need.

Gary